“What is in it?” There was no mistaking the seriousness in Angel’s voice.

“Broken furniture.”

“Mattresses?”

“Yes, I think there are, and paints and things. Why do you ask?”

“Jimmy,” said Angel quickly, “do you smell anything?”

Jimmy sniffed.

“Yes,” he said quickly. “Quick, the windows!”

They made a rapid search of the room. In a corner Jimmy unearthed a rusty cavalry saber.

“That’s the thing,” said Angel, and started to prise loose the solid shutter; but the wood was unyielding, and just as they had secured a purchase the blade snapped.

“There is an old ax in the cupboard,” cried the girl, who apprehended the hidden danger.